Photo credit: PCO

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a homecoming celebration for Philippine athletes who competed in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, awarding cash incentives to medal winners and recognizing their achievements.

The event, titled “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletes,” was held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila. President Marcos praised the athletes for their dedication and for representing the country with pride.

Team Philippines finished the SEA Games in Thailand with a total of 277 medals — 50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze — surpassing the medal haul from the last two editions. The country placed sixth overall in the biennial competition held from Dec. 9 to 20, 2025.

Under Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, the President said the Office of the President will match the cash incentives awarded to medalists. This means:

• Gold medalists: ₱300,000
• Silver medalists: ₱150,000
• Bronze medalists: ₱60,000

President Marcos also said the Office of the President will give ₱10,000 each to athletes who won in competitions other than the SEA Games.

The President recognized standout athletes, including Alex Eala, who became the first Filipina in 26 years to win SEA Games gold in women’s singles tennis; EJ Obiena, who captured his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold in men’s pole vault; and the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, which won the country’s first SEA Games football gold in the inaugural women’s tournament for women.

President Marcos said the government is continuing to improve sports development in the country, expanding grassroots and youth programs, adding more facilities, and strengthening support for athletes competing internationally.

This year’s SEA Games delegation was the largest in Philippine history, with over 1,500 Filipino athletes participating in various sports.